Uses.--This plant seems to possess anthelmintic properties and for this
purpose it is administered in powder, 2-4 grams with a little molasses
or syrup. It is bitter and aromatic and is given in diseases of the
stomach and intestines for its tonic and stimulant effect. The odor
of the drug is transmitted to both urine and sweat. In India it is
used in "bilious diseases" and to dissipate all sorts of tumors. The
Hindoos cook it with flour, lard and sugar and eat the mixture as
a tonic and to prevent gray hair and baldness. They also give the
seed, fried in oil, as an aphrodisiac. The aqueous distillate is a
good preparation as it contains the active principle of the plant,
a yellow, viscid, essential oil.
Botanical Description.--A plant about 1° high, stem and branches
bearing 3 serrate wings. Leaves premorse, lanceolate, decurrent,
downy. Flowers white, in a globose head, divided into 50 or more
groups each with its own calyx of 9 or 10 leaflets surrounding 2 or 3
hermaphrodite, 5-toothed, campanulate flowers. Anthers 5, united. Style
1, thick at extremity. Stigma none. Corolla of pistillate flowers very
minute, with 3 obscure teeth. Stigma of 2 down-curved divisions. One
seed, 4-angled, imbricated.
Habitat.--The rice fields. Blooms in January.
_Spilanthes Acmella_, L.
Nom. Vulg.--_Hagonog_, Tag.; _Agonoy_, Sp.-Fil., Vis.(?); _Palunay_,
Pam.
Uses.--Some native herb-doctors use the root as a purgative, giving a
decoction of 4-8 grams to a cup of water. The infusion is used locally
for itch and psoriasis. Internally it has a diuretic effect and is
reputed to be a solvent of vesical calculi. The leaf juice and the
bruised leaves are applied to wounds and atonic ulcers. These leaves
with those of "sambon" and "sampaloc" (tamarind) are used to prepare
aromatic baths for convalescents, rheumatics and pregnant women.
Botanical Description.--A plant with stem drooping, square,
grooved, covered with drops of gum resin. Leaves opposite, cordate,
oval, lanceolate, serrate, 3 prominent nerves covered with short
down. Petioles short, grooved. Flowers yellow, in a sort of umbel,
with 3 or more flowerets on long peduncles. Common calyx, 9-11 narrow
sepals, concave, fleshy, in 2 rows. Hermaphrodite disk-flowers 40 or
more. Corolla tubular, 5-toothed. Anthers longer than corolla. Pistil
longer than stamens. Style bifid. Pistillate flowers, 15 or more,
forming the rays. Corolla monopetalous, 3-toothed. Style and stigma as
in hermaphrodite flowers. Seeds of hermaphrodite flowers quadrangular,
crowned by one long awn, and the rudiment of another. Seeds of ray
flowers small and sometimes flattened, 2 awns, of which one alone
lengthens and becomes conspicuous. Receptacle covered with concave
scales.
Habitat.--Grows along the shores of the sea and of rivers. It is very
well known.
_Artemisia vulgaris_, L. (_A. Indica_, Willd.)
Nom. Vulg.--_Ka-María_, _Santa María_, _Tinisas_, Tag.; _Indian
Wormwood_, Indo-Eng.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account